In a huge inspection operation, France has 200,000 packages from the cheap online platform Shein checked at Paris airport by customs and the Authority for Competition, Consumer Protection and Anti-Fraud.
“This action of exceptional scope aims to verify the conformity of products, the accuracy of the information and compliance with tax and customs regulations,” said France’s Minister of Public Finance and Budget, Amélie de Montchalin.
“Initial findings indicate non-compliant and illegal products: unauthorized cosmetics, toys dangerous for children, counterfeits, defective household appliances,” said the minister. The aim of the 24-hour campaign is to check 100 percent of the shipments arriving from Shein. Trade Minister Serge Papin said that during previous inspections, customs found that eight out of ten of the company’s products inspected did not meet standards.
When asked by the German Press Agency, Shein initially did not comment on the controls.
Trade association also calls for controls at German airports
The German Trade Association would also like to see similar action against Shein in Germany. Managing Director Stefan Genth called on the federal government to take the action in France as a model and also check parcels in this country. “A clear signal is needed. We must no longer tolerate the systematic violations of the law by platforms and traders from the Far East,” said Genth. Anyone who doesn’t follow the rules must face clear consequences.
In parallel to the control operation, France is calling on the European Union to take tough action against the online fashion retailer Shein. France has called on the EU Commission to “initiate an investigation and impose appropriate sanctions” against Shein, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told France Info.
Sex dolls with a child look
Coinciding with the opening of Shein’s first storefront in Paris, the government on Wednesday initiated proceedings to suspend the operation of the online platform’s site in France.
It had previously become public that the online retailer was offering sex dolls with a child-like appearance. A deputy also raised the alarm because the platform was used to sell weapons that are banned in France without a special permit.
Shein had already announced on Wednesday that he would work with the French authorities and dispel any concerns.